U12B-U19 tryouts are held in the Spring, typically the last week in April/first week of May. Tryouts are open (see impact player section below for non-DYHA/NCWC members).
U10 and U8 evaluations are held in the Fall coinciding with the formation of the DYHA house league. Participation is limited to DYHA members only.

The Ice Cats are an established, competitive Tier 2 program which began in 2000. The U12 and U14 teams were merged with the New Canaan Winter Club in 2009 and are currently called the CT Ice Cats. The U8, U10 and U19 DYHA teams are called the Darien Ice Cats. Nine teams in the last 5 years have qualified and competed in the New England Regional Tournament, bringing home 5 Gold medals & 4 Silver medals. The U12 team has qualified for and competed in the Tier 2 national tournament in the 2009-2010, 2010-2011 (national quarter-finalist) and 2011-2012 seasons. The goals are to field competitive teams, develop all players’ skills and knowledge of the game, and have FUN.

Teams: U19/16, U14A, U14B, U12A, U12B, U10, U8

U19/16: 15-18 year olds: Typically high school hockey players (U16 will become U19 if players' ages warrant)

U14A: 13-14 year olds: Bantam age
U14B: 13-14 year olds: Bantam age
U12A: 11-12 year olds: Pee Wee age

U12B: 11-12 year olds: Pee Wee age
U10: 9-10 year olds: Squirt age (Developmental team made up of Squirt house players supplementing their house hockey experience)
U8: 7-8 year olds: Mite age (Developmental team made up of Mite house players supplementing their house hockey experience)

Each team has approximately 17-20 players with the developmental teams taking larger rosters.

Schedules:

U19/16 – Late August - late November. Once practice and one game per week. Provides a place for older girls to continue their skill development without a huge commitment that would otherwise conflict with other high school sports. Requires a full (20 player) roster because the girls have other activities.

U14A/B & U12A/B – September through Early March (League/Regional Tournaments in March): 2 1hr practices/week with 2 games/weekend (1 home/1 away) - 1/day except at tournaments and rare occasions. Two (2) tournaments/season. Typically Late Fall and MLK (or Feb. weekend). No required skating over Christmas break. February break commitment is unknown until State Tournament dates are posted.

U10 – October through February: Practice ~3-4/month on a weekday or weekend. 15-18 games/season. One game most weekends. Travel under 1 hour and games are scheduled not to conflict with House Hockey. Typcially participate in local jamborees.

U8 – November through February: Practice ~2-3/month on a weekday or weekend. 12-15 games/season. One game most weekends. Travel under 1 hour and games are scheduled not to conflict with House Hockey. Typcially participate in local jamborees.

Out of Program/Impact Players:

Players who have not previously skated for DYHA or NCWC (and have not cleared the waitlist) are welcome to come to tryouts. They will be considered for the team only if they are one of the strongest players in their age group. This will be determined by input from the coaches and Board representatives present at tryouts. Final determination is subject to a Board vote.

Coaches:

Each team will have paid and/or volunteer coaches and assistant coaches, or a combination thereof. All girls travel coaches must have their proper USA Hockey Level certification.

Attendance Expectations:

All team members are expected to be fully committed and attend all practices and games. Absences due to fall sports are permitted on a limited basis until early November. Absences for U14 and U16/19 players for an in season High School sport team conflict are understood.